WO1984001792A1

WO1984001792A1 - Structure construction system

Info

Publication number: WO1984001792A1
Application number: PCT/SE1983/000381
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sven Albin Ewert Soerelius
Original assignee: Sven Albin Ewert Soerelius
Priority date: 1982-11-08
Filing date: 1983-11-07
Publication date: 1984-05-10
Also published as: SE432275B; DE3372799D1; EP0139651B1; SE8206325D0; EP0139651A1

Abstract

A system for constructing structures particular-box-like structures such as shelters, containers etc. of panels (1) comprising sandwich units with a heat-insulating core (3), e.g. of cellular plastics, with outer lamine (2), e.g. of reinforced plastics, bonded thereto, the panels being intended for coupling together with edge members (6) of heat-insulating material and provided at least on one side, preferably two sides, with two separate and right-angularly projecting side flanges (7) for coupling to panels. The panels (1) are provided with grooves (5) in edge surfaces intended for being joined to edge members, the grooves being intended to receive the side flanges (7) of the respective edge member (6) and provided in direct connection with the inner surfaces of the outer lamine (2) of the respective panel, the distance between the outer side surfaces of the flanges corresponding to the distance between the insides of the outer lamine in the grooves (5). The thickness of the side flanges (7) is substantially equal to the width of the grooves (5). Special corner members (17) are utilized in corners, and are coupled together with edge members (6) and panels so that entirely smooth outsides and insides are obtained, as well as load transfer on all sides.

Description

STRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system for building up structures, particularly box-like structures such as houses, so-called shelters, containers etc. from panels comprising sandwich units having a stiff, heat-insulating core with outer laminae adhered or bonded thereto, the panels being intended for joining together with the aid of frame or side edge members (hereinafter called edge members) .

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

It is known to manufacture box-like structures, so-called shelters, from panels of the kind mentioned above, wall panels being joined at right angles to each other, for the avoidance of thermal bridges, by glueing while utilizing coacting, mutually complemental stair-like rebates at the edge surfaces of the panels. Furthermore, there are required external and internal, glued-on, re¬ inforcing and load-transferring angle and corner fittings. Interior partition walls are glued in place while utilizing externally mounted angle fittings at the joints. Apart from a number of well-known advantages, these structures also have a number of disadvantages, such as requiring factory production, dimension changes becoming difficult due to the special implementation of the panel edge sur¬ faces, e.g. making impossible simple sawing of panels to another size than the original manufactured size, and not being able to obtain entirely smooth structure surfaces due to the angle and corner fittings.

It is also known to join panels of the kind mentioned in the introduction without thermal bridges, while using coupling members which are also of sandwich type. The outer laminae of each panel are here extended out beyond

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O PΪ ^ ^P0 _Λ^ the core at the edges of the panel, so that there are formed longitudinal edge recesses having a width correspond¬ ing to the thickness of the core and intended to re¬ ceive coupling members. The thickness of the coupling members is equal to the interior distance between the edge extensions of the outer laminae and the extension of the coupling members is equal to twice the depth of the edge recesses. In joining two panels in one plane, the insides of the panel edge extensions are glued against the outside of the outer layers of the utilized sandwich coupling member. When the panels are joined at right angles to each other, there are required specially made sandwich joining members with an L, T or + shape. Although one can obtain in principle entirely smooth structural surfaces with this system, excepting corner or angle joining areas where the lesser thickness of the coupling members may give depressed surfaces, there are disadvantages of substantially the same kind as accounted for above.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved system of the kind mentioned in the intro¬ duction, whereby the above-mentioned disadvantages are removed simultaneously as a series of Important advantages are gained, such as:

- the allowance of simple optional joining of sandwich panels to rigid structures with entirely smooth interior and exterior surfaces, and entirely without thermal bridges;

- the allowance of extremely good load transference between utilized structural members;

- the joint between structural members does not need to be ensured by glueing, for example, but can also take place by mechanically pulling together the entire struc-

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OMPI ture with possible subsequent locking thereof, whereby dismantling and renewed assemblage or erection is enabled in a simple way;

- the structure can be prefabricated in a factory, for instance, and subsequently be delivered in compact, dismantled form to the site where it is erected;

- structures of different implementation and size can be provided, based on a small number of different standard members, which can be very easily cut or sawn, as necessary to desired size and put in order for joining according to the system of the invention;

- structures carried out in accordance with the invention can easily be provided with framed-in door, window, hatch or other openings with retained structural stiffness and entirely without thermal bridges;

- doors, hatches, windows etc. for openings arranged in structures can easily be put together while utilizing parts included in the system in accordance with the invention; - structures can be built "from the inside" thus allowing interior insulation of room units, for example.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The above-mentioned object is achieved by the system in accordance with the invention having the distinguishing features disclosed in the appended claims.

According to a main aspect of the invention, panels are intended for coupling together with edge members, such a member being of a heat-insulating material and, at least on one side intended for coupling to a panel, provided with two separated side flanges projecting out at right angles, and preferably continuous over the entire length of the member, a panel, at its edge surfaces intended for being coupled together with an edge member, being provided with recesses or grooves preferably over the entire length of the edge surface, intended for receiving the side flanges of the respective edge member. The recesses or grooves are arranged.in direct association with the insides of the outer laminae of the panels, and the distance between the outer side surfaces of the side flanges of the edge members corresponds to the distance between the inner sides of the outer laminae in the recesses or grooves. The thickness of the side flanges is substantially equal to the width of the recesses or grooves, and the side flanges suitably project a distance substantially equal to the depths of the recesses or grooves. The edge members to advantage include right-angular quadrilateral tubes, the side flanges projecting out from at least one tube side. The width of the tube on a side with flanges should be equal to the thickness of a connecting panel, so that entirely smooth surfaces are obtained in the assembled structure. Both the quadrilateral tube and the side flanges attached thereto should have good stiffness. The quadrilateral tube can to advantage be made from profile drawn or extruded, reinforced plastics, such as glass fiber-reinforced polyester, and preferably has a filling of heat-insulating material, such as cellular or foamed plastics. The panels may be conventional¬ ly built up with a core of heat-insulating material such as cellular plastics, preferably with closed cells and preferably with good inherent stiffness, stiff outer laminae being adhered or bonded to the cores, with the laminae to advantage made from reinforced plastics. In certain cases it may be suitable to allow at least one outer laminae to be made from, or clad with, electrically conductive material, e.g. aluminium sheeting or net, so that electrical screening effect is obtained. The grooved edge surface of the panel should be cut straingt, and the core material should go right up to the edge surface plane. As will be appreciated without difficulty, coupling a

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OMPI panel to an edge member in accordance with the above involves that the flanges of the edge member engage in the panel grooves, with the flanges in good load-trans¬ ferring contact with the stiff outer laminae of the panel, and in appropriate cases also with the stiff core material. Since the dimensions of the grooves can be very well-adjusted to the dimensions of the flanges, it is not necessary in many cases to ensure the connection with the aid of glue or other extra measures. It will be appreciated that in the simplest case, an edge member in accordance with the invention may constitute a purely terminating, or edge covering member far the panels. The edge member may, in this and certain other cases, to advantage have a simpler or other con- figuration than the particularly preferred quadrilateral tube configuration. Examples of this will be accounted- for later. To advantage, an edge member in accordance with the invention may be provided with side coupling flanges on a further one, two or three sides, and with utilizing such edge members it will be possible to couple panels in two, three or four directions, preferably at right angles to each other. Particularly usable is an edge member having side flanges (of the same general implementation as described above) on one side which is at right angles to the first-mentioned side, whereby panels can be coupled in two planes at right angles to each other. It will be appreciated that the edge members in accordance with the invention should suitably have a square cross section, since the general rule is to couple panels having uniformity in thickness.

An edge member with side flanges on three sides is suitable for utilization in conjunction with erecting a partition wall, screening wall or the like against another wall where in the latter the edge member simultaenαusly couples two wall panels.

OMPI The inventive system also allows two panels to be coupled edge to edge in one and the same plane without utilizing an intermediate edge member. For this purpose there are utilized strip-like coupling members formed for being accommodated in the recesses or grooves of the panels and for bridging over the joints between the panels. These coupling members may quite cimply constitute uniformly wide flat strips of stiff material, e.g. reinforced plastics which can be easily cut to the desired length. The width is suitably equal to twice the depth of the recesses or grooves.

It will be understood that the suitably rectangular panels can to advantage be in a single standard size and provided with grooves or recesses in all four edge surfaces. If necessary, a panel can without difficulty be cut or sawn to a smaller size, after which the new edge surfaces thus occurring can simply be provided with grooves or recesses of desired dimensions, e.g. by routing or in a similar way obvious to one skilled in the art. The stiff outer laminae of the panel can here be utilized as guides.

It will be further understood that the edge members provided with side flanges can be easily produced in optional lengths, e.g. by profiling or extruding (possibly with later filling of heat-insulating core material in the case of the tube configuration) , and can easily be cut afterwards to the desired mounting length. It is, however, advantageous to have a standard length of the edge members, either joining several standard lengths or cutting a standard length to a shorter length as required. To enable simple jointing, the inventive edge members should be prepared at both ends for this. In conjunction with an edge member of tubular configuration it is in accordance with the invention suitable that the tubes are cut square and provided in their end surfaces with recesses or grooves in direct communication with the inner sides of the tubes (when they are provided with a core) for receiving preferably flange-, tongue- or sleeve-like coupling members for coupling together (preferably edge to edge) with an adjacent edge member (or an adjacent corner or junction member, as will be accounted for later) . These coupling members should be stiff and of heat-insulating material, and can to advan¬ tage be made from reinforced plastics. A cut edge member can easily be prepared for the reception of a coupling member at its new end surface. For example, recesses or grooves adjacent the inner wall of the tube in a tubular edge member provided with a core may be easily provided with the aid of a cutting punching means or the like, the outer dimensions of which correspond to the inner dimensions of the tube and the size of which corresponds to the thickness of the coupling members which are to be received in said recesses or grooves. It will be understood that with the aid of panels, edge members, coupling strip members and coupling members for the edge members described above there is enabled erecting an entirely flat and smooth wall of optional size, which is provided with edge members framing it in, and to which one or more similarly entirely flat and smooth walls can be coupled, there being direct load transference and stiffening in all elongate joints by the use of stiff structural parts. In accordance with an essential aspect of the invention, the described system also includes, however, special corner or junction members, similarly of heat-insulating material for coupling together edge members in at least two directions mutually at right angles, which define a panel erection plane. These corner or junction members are to advantage adapted for coupling to the edge members while utilizing

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OMPI the previously mentioned grooves or recesses in the end surfaces of the edge members, i.e. the corner or junction members may have projecting flange-, tongue- or sleeve-like coupling members for engagement in said grooves or recesses. It is of importance that the previously mentioned load transfer and stiffening is also ensured at the corner and junction points themselves, particularly such that there is also direct coupling between corner or junction members and adjacent panels. In accordance with an advantageous aspect of the invention, the systen thus includes corner or junction members which in each coupling direction, have a projecting, right-angular square tube portion, e.g. from reinforced plastics with a heat-insulating filling, the cross section of the square tube portion corresponding to the cross section of an edge member having a square tube configuration, the free end of the square tube part being adapted for being coupled together in axial and lateral register with an adjacent frame or side edge member. Each square tube part suitably has projecting side flanges corresponding to, and in line or register with, the side flanges on the edge member to which the square tube part is to be coupled. In each interior corner portion (where two mutually right-angular square tube parts meet) the side flanges of the square tube parts form angular flanges intended for coacting with the panel grooves or recesses running at right angles to each other, in the corner area itself of a joining panel. The coupling between a quadrilateral tube part and an edge member takes place to advantage by the free ends of the tube parts being provided with projecting flange-, tongue- or sleeve-like coupling members for insertion with a good fit in the recesses or grooves in the end surface of an adjacent edge member. The tube parts may have a sleeve-like coupling member in the form of a quadrilateral tube thrust therein and possibly glued fast, the outer dimensions of this tube corresponding to the inner dimension of the tube parts. Alternatively, the free end surfaces of the tube parts may be implemented in the same way as the end surfaces of the edge members, i.e. provided with recesses or grooves intended for receiving separate flange-, tongue- or sleeve-like coupling members, suitably of the same kind utilized for the axial coupling of edge members.

It should be understood that a corner or junction member in accordance with the invention may be adapted for coupling edge members from two up to six directions at right angles to each other and/or in opposite directions in an ordinary orthogonal axis system, and that in all cases the corner or junction member is given the form of a direct extension or termination of the respective edge member, with a continuous side flange extension even in the corner areas, which gives extremely good load transfer and distribution ability and stiffness in the corner configuration formed. Simulta-. neously there is ensured that the panels in angular relationship always join up edge to edge to each other so that absolutely smooth and even joints and corners with the edges on the outer laminae of the panels in direct contact with each other are obtained.

Of particular importance is a corner or juncture member adapted for coupling edge members in three direc¬ tions mutually at right angles. If two of the edge members each have side flanges on only one side and one of the edge members has side flanges on two opposing sides, coupling panels in two (e.g. vertical) planes mutually at right angles is enabled, the two like edge members being able to connect to a substructure, (e.g. a floor or a ceiling) . If all three edge members have side flanges on two sides (all connecting to each other) it will be understood without difficulty that to the ones already mentioned further panels can be coupled in a third plane (e.g. a floor or ceiling plane) at right angles to the two planes already mentioned. In both cases the corner or junction member should have side flanges corresponding to the side flanges of the edge members, so that the load transference on all sides is ensured throughout the whole of the formed corner.

Also of particular interest is a corner or junction member adapted for coupling edge members in only two directions mutually at right angles which define a plane, wherein the member can have outer or inner angular flanges. In the first-mentioned case, the member may be utilized for coupling edge members framing an opening in the panel plane, e.g. an interior doorless through opening. In the other case, the member may be utilized for coupling edge members constituting an exterior frame of a flat structure composed of one or more panels in accordance with the invention, such as a screen, a door leaf, a hatch or the like. It will be understood that such a door lea^_f or the like can to advantage be included in a structure otherwise achieved with the aid of the invention, which has a door opening or the like.

The present invention thus also includes the provi¬ sion of door or window frames in an. opening in a wall or the like, such that thermal bridges are avoided, and with the utilization of simple framing members, which to advantage can constitute edge members for wall panels of the previously discussed kind, although the wall, generally speaking, could be constructed in some other way. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, framing members are utilized which include not only an I I

angular member which intergratedly constitutes the frame member, first architrave or reveal member and abutment member for a door, window etc. inserted in the opening, but also a second architrave member inten- ded to supplement the angular member for forming a con¬ figuration surrounding and attached to the wall edge surface in the opening. The abutment member suitably constitutes a protruding member and can to advantage be an extension out in the opening of the first architrave member, the angular member thus having a generally T-shaped configuration. It will be understood that the frame member should per se at least sub¬ stantially cover the wall edge surface. As far as it does not do this, the other architrave member includes a door or window frame supplementing part. This other architrave member thus also obtains an angular member character.

In conjunction with the abutment member arranged at the side of the first architrave member and openably installed door or the like, the other architrave member suitably extends up to, but not past, the door or window frame member (in a direction in towards the opening) whereas in conjunction with non-openable window or the like the other architrave member extends past the frame member for defining together with the abutment member a space wherein the edge region of the window can be accommodated and sealingly fixed.

It will be understood that the integrated angular member will be of heat-insulating material, such as reinforced plastics, while the other architrave member can be of optinal material. Reinforced plastics is also to be preferred here, however. The reinforced plastics material is particularly suitable when the wall is a panel wall with outer laminae of reinforced plastics. The framework can thereby be particularly easily attached

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OMPI with the aid of glueing. In conjunction with a wall pro¬ vided with grooves or recesses, e.g. panels of previously discussed kind, the frame member may be provided with integrated projecting flanges (e.g. corresponding to the side flanges on an edge member) for simple coupling of the angular member to the wall panel joining onto it. Glueing or other measure for attaching the angular member without thermal bridges may thus be super¬ fluous. The other architrave member can be attached In an optional suitable manner, e.g. by glueing and/or pinning with the aid of pins made from heat-insulating material. In conjunction with openable doors etc., a frame member may include or be prepared for the attachment of hinges or the like. The architrave members may be provided with grooves or the like on their faces facing towards the wall for the reception of sealing strips or the like.

It should also be understood that for providing a frameing in conjunction with sandwich panels of the described kind there,. there is also the possibility of using modified edge m mbers in accordance with the in¬ vention which are provided with side flanges, these edge members being provided on their side opposite the side flanges with a suitably integrated, projecting stop or abutment member for a door, window etc.

The side flanges of the edge members are utilized for locking the edge members as frame members to the edge surface of the panel defining the opening. When the edge members extend entirely round the opening, they may be mitred at their ends for enabling simple abutment to each other in the respective corner of the opening. If corner members of a previously described kind are utilized for the purpose of giving the frame increased corner strength, it may be necessary to couple each of two mutually opposing

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.< , wire _, y frame members in the opening in a suitable, particular manner, e.g. with the aid of resilient coupling sleeves, in the area between the respective associated corners, namely when the framing is put in place only after the opening has been prepared.

A framing of this kind involves enabling the avoidance of external architrave members on at least one side of the wall. A. side architrave member may be re¬ quired for fixing a rigidly mounted window or the like. The architrave member then corresponds to the previously mentioned second architrave member utilized in conjunc¬ tion with a framing using an angular member.

From what has been said hereinbefore, it should be apparent that the system in accordance with the invention provides in an extremely flexible and complete manner, for the construction of structures from the simplest one- dimensional structure, to complete three-dimensional structures, where the structures may be given optional size and can include free openings, doors, windows etc. these doors, windows etc. being in all essentials enabled to be constructed utilizing the inventive principles, and wherein all panel edges and corners may be reinforced with the aid of a stiff and protecting edge member which permits load transfer on all sides, without this (excepting for possible desirable architraves) requiring any members being placed on the outer sides of the panels and spoiling their smoothness, or any members resulting in un¬ necessary extended or added construction in any direction. The dimensions of the members included in the structures may be determined entirely by the desired heat trans¬ mission coefficient, desired stiffness and without any difficulty at all in respect of determining general ex¬ terior or interior dimensions for the structure.

Further distinguishing features and properties of the system in accordance with the invention will be apparent from the following description of exemplifying embodiments made with reference to the appended drawing.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a vertical front view of a partition wall constructed in accordance with the present inven¬ tion. Figure 2 is a partial, horizontal sectional view taken along the line II-II in Fig. 1 and illustrates the coupling of panels with the aid of strip like coupling members. Figure 3 is a vertical Inner partial sectional view of the area denoted by the line III-III in Fig. 1 and illustrates the coupling of edge members in accordance with, the invention. Figure 4 is a longitudinal end sectional view of an edge member In accordance with the invention. Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of an edge member in accordance with the invention, taken along the line V-V in Fig. 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a two-dimensional corner member in accordance with the in¬ vention. Figure 7 is a vertical central sectional view of the corner member according to Fig. 6. Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view of the corner member according to Figures 6 and 7, taken along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7. Figure 9 is an perspective view illustrating a three-dimensional corner member in accordance with the invention and the end portions of three inventive edge members connecting thereto. Figure 10 is an end view of one of the edge members in Fig. 9, taken along the line X-X. Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating the corner member according to Fig. 9 with coupled edge members and with three panels in the process of being coupled in accordance with the invention. Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the corner obtained after connecting the panels in Fig. 11. Figure 13 is a partial plan view of a corner area in a framing, provided in accordance with the invention, for a wall opening, e.g. intended for an openable door. Figure 1 is a horizontal partial sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13. Figure 15 is a partial sectional view of the same kind as in Fig. 14 but illustrating the framing for a fixed window.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the description hereinafter the main members or components are denoted according to the following: sandwich panel 1, panel outer laminae 2, panel core 3, panel edge surface 4, panel edge surface groove 5, edge member 6, side flanges 7 of the edge member, square tube 8 of the edge member, core 9 of the edge member, edge surface 10 of the edge member, grooves 11 in the end surface of the edge member, sleeve coupling member

12 for edge members, strip like panel coupling member 13, two-dimensional corner member 15, three-dimensional corner member 17, square tube parts 19 of the corner member, projecting coupling member 20 of the corner member, angular flanges 21 of the corner member, window or door framing 23, window or door framing angle element 25, frame leg 26 of the angle member, abutment or stop member 27 of the angle member, architrave member 28 of the angle mem¬ ber and the other architrave member 29 of the framing. It is more closely illustrated in Figures 1-8 how, in accordance with the invention, two-dimensional panel structures may be constructed. In Figure 1 there is thus illustrated a screen or the like consisting of two rectangular panels 1 , the screen being provided round its edge surfaces with framing edge and corner members 6 and 15, respectively in accordance with the invention. Each panel 1 comprises two outer laminae 2 of reinforced plastics with an intermediate core 3 of stiff cellular plastics (Fig. 2). Adjacent the respective outer laminae 2, each panel has an interior groove 5 going all the way round In its edge surface 4, in which a corresponding flange 7 on the edge member 6 tightly connecting to the edge surface engages (see also Figures 11 and 12). The flanges 7 project out symmetrically from the engagement side 31 of the edge member 6, this side 31 thus being brought to engage against the edge surface 4 of the panel 1. The flanges 7 project out from and are in one piece with a quadrilateral tube 8 of reinforced plastics, which has a square cross section and a core of stiff cellular- plastics. The side dimensions of the square tube 8 are equal to the thickness of the panels 1 , the flanges 7 thus projecting out from the side 31 set back from the side edges a distance corresponding to the thickness of the outer laminae 2 of the panel 1. As illustrated In Figure 1 , the upper edge member 6 and both side edge members 6 are each in one piece between joining corner members 15. The lower side edge member 6 could also be-in one piece, but is illustrated for the sake of illustration as composed of three partial edge members. For coupling to another edge member (or a corner member as will be described later) end to end, the edge members 6 have grooves 11 in their end surfaces in the core material 9. The grooves 11 go all the way round adjacent the inner side of the square tube 8. The grooves are dimensioned for receiving a coupling sleeve 12 of reinforced plastics. The sleeve has the form of a quadrilateral tube with a square section, its outer dimen¬ sions corresponding to the inner dimensions of the square tube 8. The width of the groove 11 corresponds to the wall thickness of the sleeve, and the grooves have a depth equal to half the length of the sleeve 12. This dimensional adjustment, which for the remainder is also generally applicable to the system in accordance with the invention, gives very good coupling and load transference. Furthermore, there is always good engage- ment edge to edge between coupled members, which gives smooth surfaces and nearly unnoticeable joints.

The design of the corner members 15, which are coupled to connecting edge members 6 and also to the corner areas 16 of adjoining panels 1, will be seen from Figures 6-8. The corner member 15 has a carcass portion in one piece comprising two square tube parts 19 with entirely open interiors projecting out at right angles to each other. The dimensions of the square tube parts correspond entirely to the dimensions of the square tube 8 of the edge members. In each of the s_tquare tube parts 19 there is solidly thrust.in a smaller square tube 33 and 35, respectively, the outer dimensions of which entirely correspond to the inner dimension of the square tube parts 19. The tubes 33 and 35 project out to form coupling sleeves 20, the dimensions of which are such that each of them corresponds to half a coupling sleeve 12 and which thus permit coupling to an adjoining edge member 6 while utilizing the end surface groove 11 thereof. The square tube 33 is longer than the tube 35 in as far as it extends entirely through the corner member 15 into engagement against the rear wall 37 of the member via en intermediate plate 38, the dimensions of which correspond to the interior cross section of the square tube parts 19. The inner end of the square tube 35 engages in its turn against the thrust-in tube 33. This gives a simple implementation simultaneously as good stiffness is ensured, not in the least due to the double wall structure obtained. In the angle between the square tube parts 19 the corner member 15 is provided with two angle flanges 21 which are made in one piece with the tube parts 19 and which in their implementation (dimensions, location) are such that they may be regarded as direct continuations of the side flanges 7 of an adjoining edge member 6. The

OMPI angle flanges 21 will, in coupling to panels 1, go into engagement with the grooves 5 of the panels in the corner area 16 itself, the area thereby being very well supported. The different parts of the corner member 15 are to advantage made from reinforced plastics. The parts may be glued to each other if so desired from the point of view of strength. The tubes 33, 35 are here illustrated with filling 39 of stiff cellular plastics. As will be seen without difficulty, a corner member 15 could easily be modified to a T-shape for coupling up three edge members 6. A further square tube part 19 will then be arranged opposite the square tube part containing the tube 35. This square tube part would then be provided with an insert tube for providing a coupling sleeve 20, further to which angle flanges would be arranged opposite the angle flanges 21.

As previously mentioned, the screen wall according to Fig. 1 comprises two panels 1. Although these could have been coupled with the aid of an intermediate edge member 6, provided with flanges 7 on two opposing sides, and with the aid of a corner or junction member modified into a T-shape according to the above, it is simpler according to the invention for the coupling to utilize strip-like coupling members 13 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. These elements 13 go into engagement in the grooves 5 in the mutually tightly engaging edge surfaces 4.

It will be seen without difficulty that the construction according to Fig. 1 can easily be put together by the different members incorporated being brought into place unhindered and in contact with each other with the flanges 7, coupling sleeves 12 and 20 and strips 13 in light engagement In associated grooves, subsequent to which the entire structure is drawn or pushed together ot ist final shape. Glue may be applied in the grooves and other places where it is considered desirable.

How three-dimensional panel structures are con- structed in accordance with the invention is illustra¬ ted in Figures 9-12. An essential member here is the corner or junction member 17 illustrated in Fig. 9. In accordance with the invention, this may to advantage be constructed on the same principles applying to the corner member 15. The corner member 17 thus includes a carcass part made in one piece, consisting of three square tube parts 19, the third qquare tube part being arranged here at right angles to the other two from the corner member in the third axial direction. A third insulation-filled inner tube corresponding to the inner tube 35 in the corner member 15 is arranged in the third square tube part to form a third projecting coupling sleeve 20. This third inner tube may engage against a first longer inner tube in the same way as the second inner tube 35 in the corner member 15.

The corner member 17 is also provided with further angle flanges 21 in each angle area between two square tube parts at right angles to each other.

As is seen without difficulty in Fig. 9, the corner member 17 permits that edge members 6 are coupled together in the three axial directions mutually at right angles. These edge members 6 are provided with flanges 7 on two adjacent sides 31, 32 entirely analogous to the arrangement of the angle flanges 21 on the corner member 17.

As illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, an arrangement of this kind signifies that panels 1 may be easily accommodated on the edge member 6 and thereafter, for example, be thrust into the corner as illustrated by arrows in Fig. 11. The corner configuration will be entirely smooth and tight, as is apparent, the angle flanges 21 ensuring continuous support of the panels round their corner areas. The entirely smooth and closed corner configuration is also obtained on the outside, where the outer laminae of the panels are edge to edge in plan to the defining edges 22 on the outer surface of the corner member 17. With regard to the panels in Figures 11 and 12 it should be pointed out that these are shown fragmented for the sake of clarity, and for this reason the illustrated intersecting sur¬ faces lack edge surface grooves adjacent the laminae 2.

In Figures 13 and 14 there is shown an example of arranging an openable door in a panel wall in accordance with the invention. An opening 41 made in a sandwich panel 1 is provided with a framing 23 which is surroundingly attached to the edge surfaces 4 of the panel facing towards the opening. The framing includes a substantially T-shaped angle member 25 in one piece, having a frame leg 26, a first architrave 28 and an abut- ment or stop member 27 for the door 43, as well as a second architrave member 29. The members 27 and 28 constitute a second leg of the angle member. The frame leg 26 engaging against the edge surface 4 of the panel

1 is provided with two side flanges 7', entirely corresponding to the flanges 7 of the edge members 6 and which go into locking engagement with grooves 5 in the edge surface of the panel. The first architrave member 28 may be glued and/or pinned to the outer lamina

2 of the panel 1. The other architrave 29 is pinned and possibly glued to the other outer lamina 2 of the panel 1, and at the free end of the frame leg 26, as Indicated by the dashed line 47. The pins 48 which are used are to advantage conical and from reinforced plastics. The architrave members 28,29 are mitred at their corner ends for allowing simple fitting. Both these members, as well as abutment member 26 may be given slight curvature in manufacture such as to give better joining and sealing after assembly. The members 28 and 29 have longitudinal grooves 44 on their insides for sealing strips. To advantage, the door leaf

43 can be made in the same way as the screen illustrated in Fig. 1 , whereby the thickness of the doorleaf will be adjusted to the wall thickness.

An advantageous modification of the arrangement according to Figures 13 and 14 involves that the angle member is given a Z-shape, i.e. the abutment member is allowed to project instead from the free end in Fig. 14 of the frame leg 26. The other architrave member is hereby extended suitably so that it covers the abutment member also, which is thus given extra support.

A modification of the arrangement according to Figures 13 and 14 is illustrated in Fig. 15, this modi¬ fication allowing simple mounting of a fixed window. The other architrave member 29' is here extended so that between it and the abutment member 27 there is formed a space in which the edge areas of a plurality of window panes 51 can be fixed together with suitable seals 53. The arrangement can be otherwise unaltered.

Claims

1. A structure construction system, particular¬ ly for box-like structures such as houses, shelters, containers etc., comprising panels (1) and frame or

5 side edge members (6) intended for joining panels, the edge members (6) being stiff and, at least on one side (31) intended for coupling to a panel (1), provided with two separate side flanges (7) projecting out at right angles, and preferably continuous over the entire

10 length of the member, the panels (1), at their edge surfaces (4) intended for being coupled to an edge member (6), being provided with recesses or grooves (5) preferably over the entire length of the edge surface, intended for receiving the side flanges (7) of the

15 respective edge member, characterized in that the panels (1) comprise a sandwich unit with a heat-insulating core (3) to which are bonded load-carrying outer laminae (2), preferably of reinforced plastics, and in that the edge members (6) are made from heat-r.insulating material,

20 preferably with an Insulating core (9) of cellular plastics or the like, the recesses or grooves in the panels (1) being provided in direct relationship to the insides of the laminae (2) of the respective panel, the distance between the outer side surfaces of the flanges

25 (7) corresponding to the distance between the insides of the outer laminae in the recesses or grooves, the thickness of the flanges (7) being substantially equal to the width of the recesses or grooves (5) , such that the side flanges are in load-transferring contact with the inside

30 of the outer laminae of the panels (1).

2. System as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that it includes strip-like coupling members (13) for connecting together two panels (1), edge to edge in one and the same plane, the coupling member being formed for

•35 being received in the recesses or grooves (5) of the

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OMPI panels and for bridging over the joint between the panels.

3. System as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the edge members (6) include right-angular quadrilateral tubes (8) of reinforced plastics with an insulating core (9), the flanges (7) projecting out from one tube side (31) .

4. System as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the quadrilateral tube (8) has on one side (32) , which is at right angles to said at least one side (31), two further like side flanges (7), whereby panels (1) can be coupled to the respective edge member (6) in two planes at right angles to each other.

5. System as claimed in claim 3 or 4, ^'' characterized in that the quadrilateral tubes (8) are cut off square, and in their end surfaces (10) are provided with recesses or grooves (11) directly complemental to the insides of the tubes, for receiving coupling members (12,20) with preferably flange, tongue or sleeve con- figuration for coupling to an adjacent edge member (6) or to an adjacent corner or junction member (15;17).

6. System as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes corner or junction members (15;17) of heat-insulating material for coupling edge members (6) in at least two directions at right angles, which define a panel erection plan.

7. System as claimed in claim 6 and any of claims 2-5, characterized in that the corner or junction members (15;17) in each coupling direction have a pro- jecting, right-angular quadrilateral tube part (19) of re¬ inforced plastics with a heat-insulating filling (39) , the cross section of the part corresponding to the cross section of an edge element (6) , the free end of the quadrilateral tube part being adapted for coupling to an adjacent edge member in axial and lateral register.

8. System as claimed in claim 5 or 7, characterized in that the free ends of the quadrilateral tube parts are cut square, and provided with recesses or grooves corresponding to those in the end surfaces of the edge members, and intended to receive flange, tongue or sleeve-like coupling members.

9. System as claimed in claim 5 or 7, characteri- zee in that the free ends of the quadrilateral tube parts (19) are provided with projecting flange-, tongue or sleeve-like coupling members (20) for insertion into the recesses or grooves (11) in the end surface (10) of an adjacent edge member (6).

10. System as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the quadrilateral tube parts (19) have a sleeve-like coupling member (20) in the form of a quadri¬ lateral tube (33,35) thrust therein, and having outer dimensions corresponding to the inner dimensions of the tube parts.

11. System as claimed in any of claims 7-10, characterized in that the quadrilateral tube parts (19) of the corner or junction members (15;17) on at least one side have outwardly projecting side flanges (21) corresponding to the side flanges (7) on the edge members (6) .

12. System as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the quadrilateral tube parts (19) of the corner or junction members (15;17) are provided with side flanges (21) in the same way as the respective edge members (6) which are to be coupled with the corner or junction member.

13. System as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises frame or side edge members (23) for an opening in a panel wall or the like, including an angle member (25) made in one piece, having a frame-forming leg (26) of a depth corresponding to the thickness of an adjacent panel (1) and provided with two projecting side flanges (7) for inserting in the edge recesses or grooves (5) of the adjacent panel, and an architrave side leg (28) projecting out in the same direction as the side flanges and intended for connecting to the outside of the outer lamina (2) of the adjacent panel (1), and an abutment leg (27), projecting in the opposite direction to form an abutment for a door, window, hatch or the like (43), which can be mounted, fixed or openable, in the opening, and also including a flat member (29;29'), intended for being mounted against the outside of the other outer lamina (2) of the adjacent panel (1) and against the free end of the frame-forming leg (26) , the angle member and preferably also the flat member being made from stiff heat-insulating material, such as reinforced plastics.

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